Method and apparatus for making lasts

ABSTRACT

This method of manufacturing shoe lasts made of several detachable elements, i.e., a basic standardized element and at least one interchangeable element dependent upon fashion, consists in marking the trace of the turning axis on the ends and on each joint plane of the model elements and of the lasts deriving therefrom, and using said trace for laying out means for the relative connection and positioning of said interchangeable elements and of said standardized elements of the model and of said lasts.

ates atent Condamine et a1.

[ Feb. 12, 1974 METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MAKING LASTS Inventors: ArmandlEloi Condamine, Sainte Foy Les Lyon; Rene Jean Jacques Philippe Rigal,Lyon, both of France Centre Technique Du Cuir, Lyon, France Filed: June19, 1972 Appl. No.: 264,283

Assignee:

Foreign Application Priority Data June 18, 1971 France 71.23387 US. Cl.12/146 1L lint. Cl A431 00/00 Field of Search 12/1 R, 146 R, 146 LReferences Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1/1954 Spencer 12/146 L.Ionas....

lshii 12/146 L Primary Examiner-Patrick D. Lawson Attorney, Agent, orFirmEric H. Waters [5 7] ABSTRACT This method of manufacturing shoelasts made of several detachable elements, i.e., a basic standardizedel- 7 ement and at least one interchangeable element dependent uponfashion, consists in marking the trace of the turning axis on the endsand on each joint plane of the model elements and of the lasts derivingtherefrom, and using said trace for laying out means for the relativeconnection and positioning of said interchangeable elements and of saidstandardized elements of the model and of said lasts.

20 Claims, 7 Drawing Figures Patented Feb.12,1974 3,7,9? I

2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Patented Feb. 12, 1974 2 Sheets-Sheet :3

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MAKING LASTS BACKGROUND OF THIS INVENTION Thepresent invention relates to the making of shoe lasts in general and hasspecific reference to an improved method of manufacturing a shoe lastconsisting of a plurality of assembled elements, and also to apparatusfor carrying out this method.

Many methods of this character have already been proposed, which differfrom each other especially by the mode of assembling the elements,constituting the last. However, all these known methods are based on themaking of last components by moulding. Obviously, these methods requirea considerable number of moulds for, in a two-section or two-elementlast, each pair and size of shoe require four moulds.

Of course, each time a change appears in the shoe fashion, the mouldsmust be replaced by new ones, and consequently the number of lastsproduced with these moulds is not sufficient for absorbing the cost ofsaid moulds.

However, it would be sound practice to have a standardized last elementor section that can be preserved independently of fashion, so that thissection could be reproduced by moulding. On the other hand, it has notbeen possible, so far, to manufacture the other elements dependent uponfashion and therefore manufactured in small series or quantities, byusing the turning technique employed heretofore for making one-piecelasts. Yet this possibility would be greatly appreciated since it wouldpermit from a single type of lathe equipped with interchangeable parts,to turn the corresponding elements of the lasts for all the shoe sizescorresponding to this model, by using a double pantagraph capable ofreproducing a pattern by the method of bidimensional similarity inrelation to the axis of rotation.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is the primary object of this invention tofill in this blank. To this end, the method according to this inventionconsists in marking the path of the turning axis on the ends and on eachjoint plane of the elements or sections constituting the model orpattern and of the lasts deriving therefrom, and to use this path forlaying out the means for obtaining the relative connection andpositioning of the interchangeable elements and of the standardizedelement, or of a compensating member, of the model or pattern and of thelasts, deriving therefrom.

At present, the lasts are secured at their ends to the reproducinglathes, and this procedure obviously prevents the machining of theseends which must therefore be hand-finished by using special templets.

Moreover, the application of the method of this invention isadvantageous in that it permits of machining completely the last endsbecause each element can be firmly secured by means of its joint orassembling plane.

According to a first form of embodiment of the method of this invention,the first interchangeable element is obtained by cutting the originalmodel or pattern, the successive or subsequent elements being obtainedby modifying the first element or machining blanks.

According to another method of carrying out the method of thisinvention, the pattern is cut simultaneously with the impression of arotational movement to the model or pattern about the turning axis, byusing a cutting tool having a predetermined thickness, and subsequently,while a cylindrical bridge of material interconnecting the two patternelements coaxially to the turning axis, subsists the cutting tool isreplaced by a thinner tool and said bridge of material is cutsubstantially along its median plane, whereby a cylindrical boss coaxialto the turning axis subsists in the cutting plane of each one of the twoelements, thus affording an easy detection or location of this axis.

In order to obtain, after the separation of the elements, a patternwidth consistent with the width demanded by the user, the cuttingoperation is accomplished on a last having dimensions slightly greaterthan those contemplated and of which the machining is completed afterthe assembling step.

This operation is not necessary in case the standardized model elementis available, for no cutting step is required, the pattern maker havingto change for example an element as a function of fashion, by makingfrom a block having any geometric shape adapted according to the turningaxis to the model standardized element, the novel element which may thenbe used independently for reproducing all the shoe sizes.

According to a specific form of embodiment of this method, fordetermining the position of the turning axis in the cutting plane of alast element, use is made of the hollow cylindrical guide socket for adrilling tool, the bore of said socket having the same diameter as theaforesaid cylindrical boss, and being engaged by this boss which is thendrilled along said axis.

Thus, each turning pattern element may be used separately formanufacturing corresponding elements throughout the range of shoe sizesfo the same model and for the same foot (right or left), provided onlythat the missing element be replaced by a compensating member os samelength in the selected shoe size of the model and of the last elementobtained by reproduction.

This possibility is thus particularly advantageous in the case of lastelements varying according to a seasonal or other fashion, such as thetoe end of a shoe.

The drilling made coaxially to the turning axis from the cutting planeof each element may of course be used for positioning an assembling studadapted to be locked in position by using suitable cross pins.

The transverse holes for receiving the lock pins holding the assemblingstud on the last elements are positioned on the end elements with theassistance of the plane defined by the edge formed by the edges of thespindles of the reproducing lathe.

In the case of intermediate elements, the positioning may be obtained byusing marks made accordingly on the adjacent elements, of the turningmodel and therefore reproduced on the turned elements.

According to a simple form of embodiment of this invention, the cuttingapparatus for carrying out this method comprises on the one hand acircular saw having its rotatably driven shaft supported by a fixedframe structure and on the other hand a pair of bearings having a commonaxis parallel to that of said shaft, each bearing supporting a spindlefor holding and rotatably driving about the turning axis a lathe modelmeans for adjusting the relative spacing of the spindle ends and thedistance between the bearing supporting said spindles, other meanspermitting the simultaneous movement of the two bearings in directionsparallel and transverse, respectively to the axis of rotation of saidcircular saw, and' further means for angularly positioning said spindleswith respect to each other.

Advantageously, the bearings are interconnected by at least one rodsolid with one of them and along which the other bearing is adapted toslide or be locked in a selected axial position, each bearing beingmounted on a slideway perpendicular to the axis of rotation of said saw.

The apparatus for drilling an end element of the model along the turningaxis comprises on the one hand a fixed plate having a socket fittedtherethrough, the diameter of the socket bore corresponding to that ofthe cylindrical boss formed on each cutting plane of each patternelement and acting as a guide to a twist drill for drilling the cavityintended for the stud assembling the model elements, and on the otherhand a plate movable towards the fixed plate, or vice-versa, saidlast-mentioned plate supporting coaxially to said socket a three-pointspindle identical with the spindle of the reproduction lathe, lateralplates provided with guide sockets perpendicular to the common axis ofthe first socket aforesaid and of said three-point spindle beingprovided for guiding the twist drill utilized for drilling the holesreceiving the assembling stud locking crosspins.

According to another form of embodiment of this method, the element tobe drilled transversely is positioned with reference to marks reproducedon the turned element. In this case, the three-point spindle may bereplaced by any other suitable spindle, but preferably this otherspindle should be the same as the lathe spindle.

The same apparatus may be used for drilling the last elements before orafter the turning operation.

The member for compensating the missing element of the model or lastduring the turning operation comprises a rod of a length adjustable withprecision and having one end adapted to be fitted to the model elementor to the last element blank coaxially to the turning axis, the otherend of this rod being adapted to be fitted to one of the spindles of thereproduction lathe.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING A clearer understanding of this inventionwill be had if reference is made to the accompanying drawingillustrating diagrammatically by way of example a typical form ofembodiment of the method constituting the subject matter thereof. In thedrawing:

FIGS. 1 to 4 illustrate the different steps of the manufacture of atwo-element last according to this method FIG. illustrates the elementfor compensating the missing element of the model, pattern or last FIG.6 shows a typical form of embodiment of the cutting apparatus forcarrying out this method, and

FIG. 7 is a typical form of embodiment of the apparatus for drilling theelements according to the method of this invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT From a basic last 2 ofconventional shape, intended for use as a model on a reproduction lathefor manufacturing lasts corresponding to the shoe sizes of the samemodel, the method of this invention, assuming that the position of thetrace of the turning axis 3 of this model at the ends thereof isactually known consists in cutting the pattern in the desired separationplane of the future front and rear elements 2a and 2b, respectively,while marking the trace of the turning axis in each cutting plane ofthese two elements. A typical form of embodiment of this method consistsin cutting the pattern 2 while causing same to pivot about the axis 3and performing said cutting operation in two steps as illustrated inFIGS. 2 and 3, respectively.

During the first step, the cutting operation is discontinued in order toreserve a cylindrical bridge" 4 of material between the element 20 and2b, said bridge having a diameter d and being concentric to the turningaxis, of course. This first step will thus cause a groove 5 having awidth e to be cut circularly in the pattern 2.

During the second step, the bridge 4 is cut by using a narrower toolthan the tool used for cutting the groove 5, and this second cuttingoperation is performed substantially in the median plane of bridge 4.

As a result, after separating the elements 2a and 2b of the pattern 2from each other each plane formed by these cutting operations, (i.e.,planes 6 and 7 respectively) comprises a cylindrical boss (i.e., 8 and9) concentric to the turning axis 3.

Under these conditions, it is obvious that finding and locating thecentre of these bosses 8 and 9 is a relatively simple matter and thedetermination of the trace of the turning axis 3 In faces 6 and 7 ofelements 2a and 2b is also easy.

FIG. 4 illustrates a mode of assembling elements 20 and 2b of lathemodel 2. In the cutting of sawing planes 6 and 7 of these elements (FIG.3) a pair of cylindrical bores 11 and I2 concentric to the turning axis3 and adapted to receive an assembling stud 13 are formed. Moreover, atransverse hole 14, 15 is drilled through each element 20, 2b,respectively for receiving one of the cross-pins l6, 17, respectively,for locking the stud 13 in said element 2a and 2b.

Therefore, this stud 13 is provided beforehand with a pair of transverseholes 18, 19 permitting the passage of cross pins 16 and 17.

Of course, to ensure a strict coincidence of the perimeters of sawingplanes 6 and 7 of elements 2a and 2b, the orientation of holes 14 and 15in relation to the turning axis 3 must be determined very accurately.However, this orientation can be determined very easily in relation tothe lines 21 and 22 traced on the front and rear bosses 23 and 24,respectively, by the three points 25 impressed by the turning spindles.

As the turning axis 3 are marked on each element 2a and 2b it will be aneasy matter use each use of them as a turning model and therefore toreproduce this model independently of the other on a reproducing lathe,provided however, that it is assciated with the other element or to areplacement member adjustable longitudinally with the maximum precision.

FIG. 5 shows this member 10 associated with a blank 20 of the lastelement turned from a model element 2a. This member 10, consisting of arod provided with a micrometric screw permitting the precisionadjustable thereof, compensates the absence of the rear element of thislast. Thus, only the front element obtained with this blank will beturned, the rear element not modified by the new fashion beingmaintained. Then the two elements of this last are assembled with eachother like the corresponding elements of the model, i.e., as illustratedin FIG. 4.

A same member ill) may also be used with the model element 2a as asubstitute for element 2b.

As a result, these model elements may be series produces otherwise thanby moulding, and thus their cost may be reduced considerably in the caseof a production involving small series of articles.

In the above-described example the element 2a constitutes the toe end ofthe last or model and the other element 2b constitutes the heel end ormain body thereof. Of course, this element 2b is substantially notdependent upon the changing fashion and can therefore by mass-producedunder these conditions,-a manufacture by moulding may be contemplated,although two moulds are necessary for each pair and per shoe size forthis heel portion of the last or model.

On the other hand the toe element 2a which has to adhere to the novelfashion and is liable to frequent changes, will be produced in smallquantities. it will therefore be advantageous to manufacture for thistoe end only one turned model, from which all the right and left lastelements will be made for all the shoe sizes contemplated for thismodel.

The same toe element may on the other hand disappear (from thestandpoint of fashion) during some time, and then become againfashionable; it will be easier for last manufacturers to preserve thisfront element of lathe or turned model than preserving as many pairs ofcostly moulds as may be contemplated and necessary for the completerange of shoe sizes of the same model.

The cutting apparatus illustrated diagrammatically in perspective inFIG. 6 comprises a fixed base plate 26 carrying a circular saw 27 havingits driving shaft 23 journalled in bearing means fitted in a fixedbracket 29 and driven in turn from an electric motor 311. Slidablymounted on a pair of slideways 32 parallel to said shaft 28 is arectangular frame structure 33. Also slidably mounted but on the majorside members of this frame structure 33, which are parallel to slideways32, are a pair of cross slides 34, 35 to which are secured forlongitudinal sliding movement corresponding brackets 36 and 3'7 eachprovided with bearing means for rotatably supporting a three-pointspindle 33 and 39, respectively. Means (not shown on the drawing) suchas catch or spring-loaded pawls are provided for locking these spindles33 and 39 against rotation so that all their points lie in a commonplane. This locking action is produced when the last or model or pattern2 to be cut is set between the spindles 33 and 39.

MOreover, the spindle 39 comprises a crankpin 40a rigid with a wheel 449for rotatably and manually driving the spindle. Of course, any othermanual or automatic driving means may be provided, if desired.

The brackets 36 and 37, 0f the bearing means of spindles 38 and 39 areinterconnected by a pair of rod ll. parallel to the circular saw shaft28 and therefore to the slideways 32 and to the major sides of framestructure 33. These rods dll are rigidly secured to bracket 37 butextend freely through bracket 36, suitable means (not shown) beingprovided for locking the bracket 36 at any desired point along said rodsill.

The function of spindles 33 and 39 is to support and rotatably drive thelathe model 2 to be cut. To this end, the bracket 36 is moved along therods Alli until the gap between the spindles 33 and 39 correspondssubstantially to the length of model 2., and then the bracket 36 islocked in this position. The mounting of model 2 is then obtained byaxially moving the spindle 33 by means of the knurled button 412. Underthese conditions the bracket assembly 36, 3'7 constitutes a rigidassembly adapted to be fed across the axis of shaft 23 along crossslides 34 and 35. An adjustable stop 43 carried by cross slide 35permits of limiting this movement and therefore that of model 2 towardsthe saw 27, Le, in the direction of the arrow 34.

On the other hand, the cross slides 34 and 35 are movable bodily withthe frame structure 33 along the slideways 32 to permit the movement ofthe cutting plane of lathe model 2 until it is coincident with the planeof the circular saw 27. When-these various adjustments are completed,the cross-slides 34 and 35 can be locked in relation to frame structure33 and the latter can be locked in relation to slideways 32. The feedmovement is imparted to model 2 towards the saw 27 as explainedhereinabove by moving the bracets 36 and 37 in the direction of thearrow 44, along the cross slides 34 and 35. This cutting operation takesplace, of course, in conjunction with the movement of rotation impartedto model 2 about its turning axis 3.

The function of the adjustable stop 43 is to limit the feed movement ofmodel 2 so that at the end of the permitted feed movement a cylindricalbridge l having a diameter d be formed orleft between the elements 2aand 2b.

This bridge may subsequently be easily cut by using a cutting tool ofawidth inferior to the thickness of saw 27.

The apparatus illustrated in FIG. 7 is intended for drilling, in theplane 6 of element 2a or in the plane 7 of element 2b, the cylindricalcavity 111 or 112 coaxial to the turning axis 3 for receiving theassembling stud 13. This apparatus comprises a fixed plate 45 in which asocket 16 adapted to act as an axial guide member to a twist drill 47for drilling the cavities 11 or 12 in elements 2a or 2b is fitted. Topermit the proper centering of the boss 3 or 9 in relation to thissocket 46 the diameter d of said bosses is equal to that of the bore ofsaid socket 36. The plate 45 is carried by two pairs of columns, i.e.,two columns 48 and two columns 39 of greater diameter, these columnesbeing secured to a base plate or frame structure 511 at their endsopposite to plate 35. Slidably mounted on columns 49 is a movable slide52 controlled by a fluid-operated cylinder and piston unit 53 andsupporting on its face registering with plate 45 a spindle 5 2- similarto spindle 33 or 39 of the cutting apparatus shown in FIG. 6. Thisthreepoint spindle is also disposed coaxially to the socket 45 and thuspermits of engaging the boss 3 or 9 into this socket 36 under theseconditions, the hole drilled by means of the twist drill 47, toconstitute the bore 111 or 12, will be concentric with the turning axis3.

Parallel lateral plates 55 secured to said columns 43 and 49 areprovided with coaxial guide sockets 56 extending therethrough and havingtheir common axis orthogonal to that of said socket 46. These guidesockets 56 are adapted to centre a twist drill 57 when drilling theholes 14 and for receiving the locking cross-pins l6 and 17.

The marking and positioning of these holes 114i and 115 are obtainedautomatically by using a spindle 5d identical with the aforesaidspindles 33 and 39 of the cutting apparatus shown in FIG. 6.

It will readily occur to those conversant with the art that thisinvention should not be construed as being strictly limited to thespecific form of embodiment shown and illustrated herein by way ofexample, since various modifications and variations may be broughtthereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention asset forth in the appended claims.

What we claim as new is:

1. Method of manufacturing a shoe last made of a plurality of separableelements, including a standardized basic element and at least oneinterchangeable element dependent upon fashion, said method comprisingthe steps of marking the trace of the turning axis on the ends, and oneach joint plane of the model elements and of the lasts derivingtherefrom, and utilizing this trace for laying out means forinterconnecting and positioning in proper relationship forinterchangeable elements and the standardized element of the model andof the lasts deriving therefrom.

2. Method as set forth in claim 1, wherein the first interchangeableelement is obtained by cutting the original model.

3. Method as set forth in claim 2, wherein the other interchangeableelements are obtained by modifying the first element.

4. Method as set forth in claim 2, wherein the other interchangeableelements are obtained separately by machining blanks drilled beforehandalong the turning axis.

5. Method as set forth in claim 2, wherein the model is cut, while thesame is rotatably driven about the turning axis, by means of a cuttingtool of predetermined width, so that after a cylindrical bridge ofmaterial has been left between the two model elements coaxially to theturning axis, said cutting tool is replaced by a narrower tool furcutting said bridge substantially across its median plane, whereby acylindrical boss coaxial to the turning axis is left in the cuttingplane of each one of the two elements for facilitating the detection ofsaid axis.

6. Method as set forth in claim 2, wherein said cutting operation isaccomplished on a last having dimensions slightly greater than thosecontemplated, the machining of said last being completed after theassembling of its component elements.

7. Method as set forth in claim 6, wherein for determining the positionof the turning axis in the cutting plane of a last element, the guidingsocket of a drilling tool is used, having a bore has the same diameteras said cylindrical boss, the latter being adapted to be fitted intosaid bore for drilling along said axis.

8. Method as set forth in claim 1, wherein the blank utilized forturning the last element is associated with a compensating membercorresponding to the missing element, the length of said member beingadjustable very accurately.

9. Method as set forth in claim 1, wherein the model element utilized inthe reproduction lathe is assembled with the complementary element ofthe same model.

10. Method as set forth in claim 1, wherein the model element utilizedin the reproduction lathe is associated with a member for compensatingthe missing element and accurately adjustable in length.

11. Method as set forth in claim 7, wherein the hole drilled coaxiallyto the turning axis in the cutting plane of each element is utilized forpositioning an assembling stud adapted to be locked in position by meansof cross-pins.

12. Method as set forth in claim 11, wherein the transverse holesdrilled in said last elements for receiving the assembling stud lockingcross-pins are positioned on the end elements of the last with theassistance of the plane determined by the edge formed by the threepoints of the spindles of said reproduction lathe.

13. Method as set forth in claim 11, wherein the transverse holesdrilled in said last elements for receiving the assembling stud lockingcross-pins are positioned on the end elements of the last with theassistance of the reference marks reproduced on the turned elements.

14. Method as set forth in claim 11, wherein in the case of intermediateelements the holes drilled transversely for receiving the assemblingstud locking crosspins are positioned by means of reference marks madein proper regis-tration with the adjacent elements on the turned model,whereby said marks are reproduced on the turned elements.

15. Method as set forth in any of claim 11, wherein the transverse holesfor positioning the transverse cross-pins of the interchangeableelements of the models or lasts turned from blanks are drilled in saidblanks simultaneously with, or after, the holes made along the turningaxis, that is, before the turning operation.

16. Apparatus for cutting shoe lasts or blanks into elements orsections, according to the method disclosed in claim 2, comprising onthe one hand a circular saw having its shaft rotatably driven fromsuitable power means and journalled in bearings carried by a fixed framestructure and on the other hand a pair of bearings having a common axisparallel to that of said circular saw and said shaft, each bearing ofsaid pair supporting a spindle for holding and rotatably driving aboutits turning axis a lathe model, means being provided for accuratelyadjusting the relative distance between the free ends of said spindlesand also that of the bearings supporting said lathe model, other meansbeing provided for permitting the simultaneous movement of the two lathemodel supporting bearings in direction parallel and transverse,respectively, to the axis of rotation of said circular saw, furthermeans being also provided for rotatably driving at least one of saidspindles, complementary means permitting the relative angular positionof said spindles.

17. Apparatus as set forth in claim 16, wherein said spindle bearingsare interconnected by at least one rod rigid with one of them, the otherbearing being adapted to slidde, or be locked in any desired position,along said rod, each bearing being mounted on a slideway extending atright angles to the axis of rotation of said circular saw, the pair ofbearing slideways being mounted in turn on a frame structure adapted toslide along longitudinal slideways parallel to said axis of rotation ofsaid circular saw.

18. Apparatus for drilling the end element of a multielement model alongthe turning axis thereof, for carrying out the method set forth in claim7 comprising on the one hand a fixed plate having fitted therethrough asocket having a bore corresponding in diameter to the cylindrical bossleft on each joint plane of each model element, said-socket beingadapted to guide a twist drill for drilling the cavity engageable by thestud for assembling the model elements, and on the other hand a platemovable towards and away from said fixed plate, and supporting coaxiallyto said socket a three-point spindle identical with the spindle of thereproduction lathe,

side plates provided with guide sockets perpendicularto the common axisof said first socket and said threepoint spindle being disposed oneither side of said fixed plate for drilling the holes for receiving theassembling stud locking cross-pins.

19. Compensation member for carrying out the method set forth in claim 8comprising a rod of a length adjustable with precision, said rod beingadapted to enof the stud locking cross-pin.

1. Method of manufacturing a shoe last made of a plurality of separableelements, including a standardized basic element and at least oneinterchangeable element dependent upon fashion, said method comprisingthe steps of marking the trace of the turning axis on the ends, and oneach joint plane of the model elements and of the lasts derivingtherefrom, and utilizing this trace for laying out means forinterconnecting and positioning in proper relationship forinterchangeable elements and the standardized element of the model andof the lasts deriving therefrom.
 2. Method as set forth in claim 1,wherein the first interchangeable element is obtained by cutting theoriginal model.
 3. Method as set forth in claim 2, wherein the otherinterchangeable elements are obtained by modifying the first element. 4.Method as set forth in claim 2, wherein the other interchangeableelements are obtained separately by machining blanks drilled beforehandalong the turning axis.
 5. Method as set forth in claim 2, wherein themodel is cut, while the same is rotatably driven about the turning axis,by means of a cutting tool of predetermined width, so that after acylindrical bridge of material has been left between the two modelelements coaxially to the turning axis, said cutting tool is replaced bya narrower tool fur cutting said bridge substantially across its medianplane, whereby a cylindrical boss coaxial to the turning axis is left inthe cutting plane of each one of the two elements for facilitating thedetection of said axis.
 6. Method as set forth in claim 2, wherein saidcutting operation is accomplished on a last having dimensions slightlygreater than those contemplated, the machining of said last beingcompleted after the assembling of its component elements.
 7. Method asset forth in claim 6, wherein for determining the position of theturning axis in the cutting plane of a last element, the guiding socketof a drilling tool is used, having a bore has the same diameter as saidcylindrical boss, the latter being adapted to be fitted into said borefor drilling along said axis.
 8. Method as set forth in claim 1, Whereinthe blank utilized for turning the last element is associated with acompensating member corresponding to the missing element, the length ofsaid member being adjustable very accurately.
 9. Method as set forth inclaim 1, wherein the model element utilized in the reproduction lathe isassembled with the complementary element of the same model.
 10. Methodas set forth in claim 1, wherein the model element utilized in thereproduction lathe is associated with a member for compensating themissing element and accurately adjustable in length.
 11. Method as setforth in claim 7, wherein the hole drilled coaxially to the turning axisin the cutting plane of each element is utilized for positioning anassembling stud adapted to be locked in position by means of cross-pins.12. Method as set forth in claim 11, wherein the transverse holesdrilled in said last elements for receiving the assembling stud lockingcross-pins are positioned on the end elements of the last with theassistance of the plane determined by the edge formed by the threepoints of the spindles of said reproduction lathe.
 13. Method as setforth in claim 11, wherein the transverse holes drilled in said lastelements for receiving the assembling stud locking cross-pins arepositioned on the end elements of the last with the assistance of thereference marks reproduced on the turned elements.
 14. Method as setforth in claim 11, wherein in the case of intermediate elements theholes drilled transversely for receiving the assembling stud lockingcross-pins are positioned by means of reference marks made in properregis-tration with the adjacent elements on the turned model, wherebysaid marks are reproduced on the turned elements.
 15. Method as setforth in any of claim 11, wherein the transverse holes for positioningthe transverse cross-pins of the interchangeable elements of the modelsor lasts turned from blanks are drilled in said blanks simultaneouslywith, or after, the holes made along the turning axis, that is, beforethe turning operation.
 16. Apparatus for cutting shoe lasts or blanksinto elements or sections, according to the method disclosed in claim 2,comprising on the one hand a circular saw having its shaft rotatablydriven from suitable power means and journalled in bearings carried by afixed frame structure and on the other hand a pair of bearings having acommon axis parallel to that of said circular saw and said shaft, eachbearing of said pair supporting a spindle for holding and rotatablydriving about its turning axis a lathe model, means being provided foraccurately adjusting the relative distance between the free ends of saidspindles and also that of the bearings supporting said lathe model,other means being provided for permitting the simultaneous movement ofthe two lathe model supporting bearings in direction parallel andtransverse, respectively, to the axis of rotation of said circular saw,further means being also provided for rotatably driving at least one ofsaid spindles, complementary means permitting the relative angularposition of said spindles.
 17. Apparatus as set forth in claim 16,wherein said spindle bearings are interconnected by at least one rodrigid with one of them, the other bearing being adapted to slidde, or belocked in any desired position, along said rod, each bearing beingmounted on a slideway extending at right angles to the axis of rotationof said circular saw, the pair of bearing slideways being mounted inturn on a frame structure adapted to slide along longitudinal slidewaysparallel to said axis of rotation of said circular saw.
 18. Apparatusfor drilling the end element of a multi-element model along the turningaxis thereof, for carrying out the method set forth in claim 7comprising on the one hand a fixed plate having fitted therethrough asocket having a bore corresponding in diameter to the cylindrical bossleft on each joint plane of each model element, said socket beingadapted to guide a twist drill for drilliNg the cavity engageable by thestud for assembling the model elements, and on the other hand a platemovable towards and away from said fixed plate, and supporting coaxiallyto said socket a three-point spindle identical with the spindle of thereproduction lathe, side plates provided with guide socketsperpendicular to the common axis of said first socket and saidthree-point spindle being disposed on either side of said fixed platefor drilling the holes for receiving the assembling stud lockingcross-pins.
 19. Compensation member for carrying out the method setforth in claim 8 comprising a rod of a length adjustable with precision,said rod being adapted to engage with one end the model element or tothe last element blank, coaxially to the turning axis, and with theother end one of the spindles of said reproduction lathe. 20.Compensation member as set forth in claim 17, wherein its end adapted toengage the turned blank comprises a cylindrical end piece of samediameter as the cavity formed for receiving the assembling stud andprovided with a transverse hole permitting the passage of the studlocking cross-pin.